**
Miss Caroline Visits
Friends and conversation are always welcome.
–Harry Finkle
The next morning Lizzy was working in the shop. The entrance bell rang and Lizzy turned to welcome the new customer. She was delighted about who it was.
“Miss Caroline! How are you?” Lizzy rushed to her side, and guided her to the table and chairs next to the large front window. “I’ll get you some tea.”
“Thank you, my dear,” Miss Caroline said. She attempted to smile, but her usual chipper ways seemed to have gone away. She had lost her home to a blazing fire.
“How is your father getting on today? I want to thank him for saving an old woman’s life.” Miss Caroline tapped her hand on the table and sighed.
“He’s still resting, and Mother hasn’t left his side,” Lizzy said. “But the doctor said he should be better in no time and for us not to worry.” Lizzy poured Miss Caroline a steamy, hot cup of tea.
Just then Robert burst into the shop. “Lizzy! Have you met Fin yet?” Robert asked, clearly out of breath.
“Who?” Lizzy replied.
“You know, Finian Beanly. Fin! Have you met him yet?”
“You’re talking in circles, Robert. I don’t have the foggiest idea who you’re referring to.” Lizzy waved her hand in the air to end Robert’s rant.
“Oh, how time flies, Robert,” Miss Caroline said sweetly. “I haven’t seen much of you lately.”
“I’ve been a little busy,” Robert said, fidgeting with his hands.
Miss Caroline folded her hands in her lap. “You should consider slowing down a bit. A little more time would do the trick, I should think.”
“Yes, Miss Caroline,” Robert said, and turned to leave. Before walking into the storage room, he glanced towards Miss Caroline. Curiously, she was staring back at him. She winked, then smiled as he left the shop.
“Miss Caroline?”
“Yes, dear,” Miss Caroline said, turning to bring her full attention back to Lizzy.
“You know everyone in Finkleton. Who is Finian Beanly?”
“He’s Mr. Simon Beanly’s only son. His mother died during childbirth, and Mr. Beanly has raised him by himself. I don’t see much of him, but he seems to be a good-hearted young man.” Miss Caroline smiled and sipped her tea.